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Super glue

Super Glue is the popular term for a range of adhesives that exhibit greater adhesive strength and set more rapidly than ordinary household glues. These glues are of the type that does not have to be mixed, and contain cyanoacrylate[?] (C5H5NO2) compounds as the reactive portion of their make-up. Cyanoacrylate is an acrylic resin that cures in the presence of hydroxyl ions, which are present in water and trigger an anionic polymerization reaction.

These glues are exceptionally good at sticking human skin, and were originally developed for use in war to stick the sides of a wound together until the wounded person could be transported to proper medical facilities. Low-toxicity formulations of super glue are still used in medical applications as a replacement for sutures.

Acetone, which is found in nail polish remover, is a commonly available solvent capable of softening cured super glue.



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